Butler sizes up impressive UTEP lineup

SAN JOSE, Calif. (WISH) - The Butler basketball team got in one final practice prior to Friday's opening round matchup against UTEP in the NCAA tournament. The Bulldogs own the nation’s longest win streak, but one loss now and it’s season over.

"They’re a great group to be around and they’re a lot of fun," said head coach Brad Stevens. "Anytime you’re in this position it’s because you’ve got a team that gets along really well...so you never want it to end, which is why you do your best to make it continue."

In order for the season to continue, Butler will have to beat a very tough and very large UTEP lineup led by 6’9”, 275 pound center Derrick Caracter.

"They were walking past when we came in, they do have a lot of big bodies," Butler junior Matt Howard said. "[Caracter's] not only tall, but he's big too. It will be a good challenge for me though, and I'm always up for a good challenge."

While the Miners most obvious advantage is their size, UTEP’s head coach, Indianapolis-native Tony Barbee, knows you can’t let the height advantage fool you.

"You look at their team and how they play they play a lot bigger than what they are," said Barbee. "You look at Matt Howard and he may as well be 7’2” and 300 lbs. because that’s how he plays."

Many of the experts out there are picking UTEP to pull the upset, but the Bulldogs have the backing of the president. Barack Obama has Butler making it through to the Sweet 16.

"I appreciate that from President Obama, at least somebody believes in us," said a laughing Willie Veasley.

Ronald Nored agrees.

"The president makes a lot of good decisions, so I hope that’s one of ‘em," he said.